Ten media organizations and trade associations have asked a Jefferson County judge to reverse his order closing an important hearing in the murder case against Austin Sigg.

Sigg, 17, is charged with killing 10-year-old Jessica Ridgeway. He faces a preliminary hearing in February, at which prosecutors will reveal some of their evidence against Sigg. But Judge Stephen Munsinger unexpectedly ruled that hearing would be closed to the public and the media, saying it could taint future jurors. Jefferson County District Attorney Scott Storey has already asked Munsinger to reconsider, saying that the public has a right to know what is going on in the case.

On Friday, the media groups, including The Denver Post, filed a motion asking Munsinger to keep the hearing open. The motion argues that closing a court hearing to the public can only be done in rare circumstances. The motion notes authorities have already said that Sigg confessed to the killing and that DNA tied him to the crime.

"There is no evidentiary basis to support the judicial findings that are required to close the preliminary hearing to the public," the motion argues.

John Ingold: 303-954-1068, jingold@denverpost.com or twitter.com/john_ingold

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